The first interview in my The Norfolk Foodie series is with Jane Steward of Eastgate Larder, producer of the fantastic Eastgate Larder medlar jelly, cheese and spicy chutney that so many of us know and love. Jane is passionate about all things Norfolk, so much so that her ‘gift’ to the county is having her medlar orchards awarded National Collection status by Plant Heritage. This will ensure that not only will Norfolk continue to be recognised for this iconic status, but that the medlar fruit will take its place in the forefront of peoples’ minds once more. “I owe my…
National Collection status
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Continue ReadingA Norfolk business is bringing an ancient English fruit back to our tables. Jane Steward of Eastgate Larder grows medlars on her six-acre plot near Aylsham. Her orchard of 120 trees, has just been awarded National Collection status by Plant Heritage, the world’s leading plant conservation and research charity. It is Norfolk’s first arboreal collection. She hand makes fine jelly, fruit cheese and spicy medlar chutney exclusively from Norfolk-grown fruit. In addition to sales of her preserves, Jane is raising the profile of the medlar by her talks to garden clubs across the county and to visiting groups. Her aim…